Do you require an Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT) score to apply to your AEGD program?

We accept ADAT scores, but we do not require them. A candidate’s application would not be negatively affected if they do not have an ADAT score.

Does the program have an adequate patient population?

Yes. We have an abundance of patients who present with interesting and complex medical and dental histories.

Do the school clinics employ digital radiography?

Yes. All the SIU School of Dental Medicine clinics utilize digital radiography.

Upon completion of the program, will residents receive certification in IV sedation?

Residents will have received the necessary course hours through our conscious sedation class, but will not necessarily receive certification. To receive certification, residents will also need to complete a minimum number of clinical cases and prove to our chief oral surgeon or dental anesthesiologist that they are competent at this procedure.

Does SIU have specialty programs, and how does this impact the AEGD resident experience?

SIU has specialty programs in endodontics and periodontics. We also offer a fellowship program in dental implantology.

Most AEGD residents find it to their advantage that the school has a limited number of specialty programs. Since SIU has no GPR program, patients with complex medical histories are referred to the AEGD residents. Similarly, in the absence of a prosthodontic program, the residents treat a large number of patients with complex restorative needs.

Do the AEGD residents get much surgical experience?

Residents who have an interest in Oral Surgery generally find this rotation to be very challenging and rewarding. Year I residents spend approximately 8-10 weeks per year in Oral Surgery. Some of their experiences include multiple tooth extractions, alveoloplasties, biopsies, tori removal, and third molar extractions (including bony impactions). Residents are typically very comfortable providing surgical care by the end of the program.

How much clinical experience do the residents get in pediatric dentistry?

About 10% of the resident's clinical care rotations are spent treating pediatric patients. The Pediatric Dentistry Rotation occurs at the East St. Louis Dental Clinic and Touchette Regional Hospital. Children are seen in other clinics and/or during other rotations (Special Needs Clinic and Oral Surgery Clinic), but in fewer numbers.

Most of the patients being treated for dental implants are adult patients. However, a number of children who are affected by ectodermal dysplasia receive treatment through our Implant Program. The National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias is located in southern Illinois, and we work closely with that organization to improve the quality of life for those patients.

The patient population of the AEGD residents at our East St. Louis clinic is primarily comprised of adult patients and children over the age of 12. Residents see patients of all ages for dental emergencies. Patients under the age of 12 are typically treated by pre-doctoral students. However, if oral sedation is required, the patients are referred to the AEGD residents for care.

Do the residents get much experience in prosthodontics?

Yes. Since we have no prosthodontic program, the AEGD residents treat many patients needing advanced fixed and removable restorations. This may include veneers, precision attachments and broken stress connectors. Most of the fixed prosthodontic treatment is provided at the Implant and Advanced Education Clinics, but comprehensive care is provided at all locations.

Describe the residents' implant experience.

The primary focus of the implant experience is in providing restorative care to our patients. Since SIU has a periodontal program and those residents provide surgical care only, a team approach is employed with the AEGD residents providing the restorative care. This experience may include restoring single and multiple implants, including crowns, bridges, partial dentures, and overdentures. The AEGD residents typically get experience in assisting with surgeries such as implant placement, sinus lifts and grafting procedures. They also gain experience in the surgical uncovery of implants, either through assisting or performing the procedure. It is possible for a very motivated, very interested and organized resident to place dental implants. First year residents spend approximately 10-20% of each week in our Implant Program Rotation.

Do the residents get endodontic experience?

Yes. While the lack of specialty programs generally provides an advantage for the AEGD residents, the presence of our endodontic program actually enhances the endodontic experience of our residents. Since both programs share the Advanced Education Clinic, the AEGD residents have access to endodontic faculty, equipment and supplies. We also have the advantage of being able to refer the most difficult cases to the endodontic residents.

Hands-on exercises in rotary endodontics are a component of the AEGD program.

Do the residents perform periapical surgeries?

The AEGD residents generally do not have a large number of patients requiring or desiring apical surgeries. However, if this does occur and the resident has a desire to participate in the surgery, he/she would be partnered with an endodontic resident and would likely assist during the surgery.

Are there opportunities for the residents to perform periodontal surgeries?

Many of our patients require crown lengthening and other periodontal surgeries. A periodontist devoted exclusively to the AEGD program supervises the residents in performing any periodontal procedures and surgeries that their patients require.

Do the residents get orthodontic experience?

The orthodontic experience each resident is exposed to clinically is dependent upon the resident's assigned patients. Orthodontists are routinely consulted in cases where orthodontics would improve the patient's restorative experience and prognosis.

Do I have to use PASS to apply for your AEGD program?

No, you are not required to use PASS to apply for our AEGD program. There are separate instructions on our Admissions Information page for using PASS to apply, and also for applying without PASS.

Does your AEGD program participate in the Match?

No, our AEGD program does not currently participate in the Match.

What is the composition of the AEGD faculty?

The AEGD program has approximately 20 full and part time faculty members including both general dentists and specialists.